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Copyright, 1916 

By 

D. BAXTER HYDE 



4 6 < 



. 



Published bs the 11 A \/ ^ '") t Q I C Pearson The Printer 

Author MA I i^£l SjIO Worcester, Massachusetts 



CI.A433084 



Jntrniurtnrg. 



The history of King David never ceases to charm and 
fascinate. It is a striking fact that, in the rough, warrior age 
of the early history of Israel, there should live a man whose 
moral conflicts and spiritual exaltations should profoundly 
move and influence human life for nearly thirty centuries. 
While we grant that this man "after God's own heart" shared 
with the men of his day their crude moralities and their coarser 
conceptions of what we consider life's finer and more delicate 
refinements, nevertheless, we cannot fail to recognize in this 
kingly soul so much of passionate love for righteousness, so 
manifest a desire to know and do the will of God, and so much 
also of the finest and noblest elements of the higher manhood, 
that deservedly he stands today as one of the great and heroic 
figures of human history. From the springs of his deep, reli- 



gious experiences and high, spiritual aspirations there flowed 
songs of exquisite beauty and enduring power. The man who 
gave to the world the twenty-third psalm, for that reason if 
for no other, merits an enduring place of highest honor and 
deepest affection in humanity's book of remembrance. 

Dr. Edward P. Drew. 



Autljnr's Notes, 



This poem is but a fraction of a greater work (written under 
another title) us yet, incomplete. Where such words, as:— "Job," "The 
Kingly Bard," "Kingly Poet," and kindred names occur, they have the 
•ame comparative relation to the words: — "Job The Less," "the Lesser 
Name," "name The Less," &c, as Virgil does to Dante in his DIVINE 
COMEDY. I could not in this lesser work or extract, obliterate ALL 
mention of these names without doing violence to many beautiful lines. 

I have been inspired to write these lines, first and chiefly by HIM 
who hath decked Himself WITH MAGE8TY AND EXCELLENCY; and 
arrayed Himself WITH GLOKY AND BEAUTY; by HIM who TELLETH 
THE NUMBER OF THE STARS, AND CALLETB THEM ALL BY 
THEIR NAMES, and knoweth the time of their beginnings. Secondly: — 
I have been inspired by the study <>f THE BOOK, wbicb for beauty. even 
as literature, none other can compare. The three heroes whose quota- 
tions I have hinted at have been my guiding stars in writting these 
lines, particularly the IMMORTAL BARD, of whom Jehovah hath said: 
THERE is NONE LIKE HIM IN Tin: EARTH. 

And third: — The inspiration I have received from my Pastor, who 
lias so kimiiy favored me by writing a ten Introductory lines, had do 
small share in directing my thoughts. Trusting that at least a part 
<>f the readers of this little volume may catch something of the inspira- 
tion I have received, I send it on its way, and subscribe myself, 



Your friend, 



THE A1THOU. 



For sale at the bookstores or sent post paid 
ou receipt of price. 

Address 

D. BAXTER HYDE 
35 Westminster Street, Worcester. Massachusetts. 



To tickle the lancij, hut wins applause: 

To touch the heart, may) create a soul — /)g Baxter. 



TIME- 
The twenty-third Psalm was composed during the midnight hours following 
David's anointing by Samuel, 1063 B. C, when he was 15 or 16 years of age. 

PLACE- 
Bethlehem Judah, upon the roof of his father's house, beneath the stars. 
(Some scholars place the writing of this Psalm later in David's life.) 



•f 



Uatrifo 

iFrnm 6>I)pppf0tt» (In cTitrnnp 

Part First 

Prologue, Composing His Immortal Psalm, 
Kills a Lion, Rescues a Lamb 

(Job begins the story) 

+ + /-tf OME now, my friend, we'll go to Bethlehem, 
%^L The little town beloved of all the world — 
A little town but in remembrance great. 
'Twas here that Boaz wed beautiful Ruth ; 
And here her beautiful grandson was born ; 
And here in pastures green the shepherd boy 
Did lead his flocks, and lion slew, and bear. 
'Twas in the little town of Bethlehem 
That Samuel came to offer sacrifice, 
And sit he would not until David come hither. 



^.n^iH 




I**"^** 



'Arise, anoint him; 'tis he' saith the Lord, 

'Till Shiloh come, his scepter shall not depart.' 

'And thou Bethlehem land of Judah, 

Art in no wise least among the princess of Judah; 

For out of thee shall come forth a governor, 

Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.' 

warrior-king, how shall we thy victories muse ? 

Sagacious statesman, how esteem thy worth? 

Thy great transgression, how shall we bemoan? 

In thy profound repentance how rejoice? 
And matchless poet, sweetest singer, how 
Our love express for thine inspiring songs? 
friend of God, let us thy soul behold, 
And ours keep time with thine immortal strains. 
Countenance fair and boy of ruddy cheeks, 
We see thee on the hill-slopes with thy flocks; 
We note thy tender care and watchful eye 
As thou dost lead them in the pastures green 
And o'er rough places to the waters still." 
Abruptly pausing, and with thoughtful mien, 




i i, 

^The Kingly Bard, at length again resumed. 
"The story of the Shepherd's Psalm I must 
To you relate : It was a starlit night , 
And all was still. The moon was soaring high. 

Ere this to Ramah, Samuel had returned. 
The sun to Bethlehem's hills had said i 

goodnight. 
The sands of time were near the midnight hour, 
And David to his couch upon the roof J 

Had gone to rest, but not to sleep, — Ah, no ! r 

His couch upon the southeast corner spread, — 
Scant was the cov'ring and ope to the sky, 
Ilis soul was throbbing with a holy zeal, [ 

To holy music his spirit attuned, j 

For he was now the Lord's anointed one. 
More than angelic wonder was his vision ; — 
No aery ladder stretched from earth to heaven 
With angels coming in a cloudless night; — 
But God, Jehovah, speaking to his soul, 
j The same that spake to Samuel when a child, 

j (/) See Author's notes. I 



Said: 'David! David!' 'What is it my Lord?' 
The Lord replied : ' What wouldst thou have, 

my child?' 
And David said: 'Speak thou to me Lord 
As Thou didst speak to Moses in the Mount. 
And give me wisdom to be Israel's king.' 
(For David, who was of the kin of Boas, 
Well knew the promise made to Abraham) 
Then spake Jehovah saying: — 'Seest thou 
Yonder bright star in th' east?' 'Yea Lord/ 

said David. 
' Thou art the scepter that will rise from out 
The East and smite the four corners of Moab ; 

And seest thou yonder distant hill 
Whose ramparts glisten in the moon's pale glare? 
Thou wilt at length be the anointed king, 
And on that hill will be thy dwelling place. 
King Saul will seek to take away thy life, 
But do thou then possess thy soul in peace; 
But put thou not thy trust in th' arm of flesh, 



■*»■ " * * 4 



LO 



Jehovah only is thy strength and song. 
Obey my voice and thou my face shalt see. 
A Star will yet arise from out of Judah 
Whose light shall never set or fade away; 
And He will rule the world in righteousness.' 
Then the Lord into David's soul did breathe 

And thenceforth he became A MAN OF GOD. 
Til sing a song unto the Lord,' said David, 
'And unto the Lord will I perform my vows. 
This song shall be the key note of my life' " : — 
'* "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. 
My sheep do hear my voice and follow me. 
So will I ever hear Jehovah's voice, 
Azid no good thing from me will he withhold. — 
lie maketh me to lie down in green pastures. 
I find the greenest pastures for my sheep. 
The Lord, my wants, He ever will supply. — 
Be leadeth me beside the still waters. 
Where I can drink of never failing springs 
And bathe my soul in the River of Life. — 



11 



1 , »«-*W.-^.«»^.»l^. » '«» -■■ ^. ■■■^.■■•^■■■^■■■■^.■■^■■-^■■■^■■■^■■■^■■■^ M -^l*- 

He restoreth my soul. 
If stray I should aud wander far away, 



/ 

My Shepherd, in His arms will bring me back, 
And wash me clean and bind up all my wounds ; 
Then never shall I want to stray again. — 



He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness 

for His name's sake. 
Idolatry and sin on every hand! 



Temptations strong without and fears within! 
How can I keep the path except He leadeth mel 
Yea, though I walk through the valley ot 

the shadow of death. — 
Robbers and thieves may sometimes seek my life 
In hidden places where the darkness lies, — 
I will fear no evil for thou art with me, 
Though many foes beset me round about, 
I will not fear, since God my Shepherd is. — 
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
And in His Majesty will I abide, 
And in His shadow will I put my trust. — 

; 

12 



» ) > 



1 



Thou preparest a table before me in 

the presence of mine enemies. 
When Jehovah doth prepare the feast, 
The enemy in fear will flee away. — 

Thou anointest my head with oil. 

blessed day of all my life is this! 

For I am now th' anointed of the Lord, 

And Samuel placed his hand upon my head. — 

My cup runneth over. 

Far more than all my dreams have come to pass. 

For now the Lord hath spoken to my soul. 

And I the youngest of my father's sons, 

Anointed to be king of all the tribes. — 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

all the days of my life. 
When God is near I need naught else beside, 

And I will ever hear my Shepherd's call, 

But I will follow not the stranger's voice; 

The stranger careth never for the sheep. — 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever'. 



L3 



.11 ^11 ^ll^fc II ^ «l ^ II ^ H^ II ■^l !!■» »f 



—f 



£*——■—■ 



Next day did David play upon the harp. 
Then as a moment of silence ensued, 
Said I:— "Did God truly talk with David?" 
''Assuredly He did," my friend replied. 
"He who hath given us the power of speech. 

Can surely talk with His created sons. 
Ah, yes! full well you know he can and does; 
And often has the list'ner been new-born, 
And his life's work rejoicing found its birth. 
Verily God is near, will ye not hear? 
This would be heaven indeed if ALL would hear. 
But let us follow David with his harp : 
He rose before the eyelids of the morning 
Were fully awakened, and to God gave thanks. 
The joy that floods his soul I cannot tongue. 
Nine pairs of eyes on him were focalized 
As all were seated for the morning meal — 
Some eyes that wore a pleasant smile of blue, 
But more that swayed in lines of streaky white. 
The elder said, — (Eliab was his name.) 



14 



'You need not feel so proud, you oily head!' 
'Nine jugs have we in store below,' said Shammah 
(The third), 'all full of sweeter oil than yours!' 
'What a fine fire red hair and oil would make!' 

Added Abinadab, with wicked glance. 
This was the first installment of the cross 
That David bore on this first birthday morn; 
Bui do revengeful bursts <>f angry words 
From David's lips escaped like flaming fire. 
No swonls a clashing in battle array. 
The soul of David, Godlike and Berene, 

Was clad in armor of Omnipotei ■ 

His brothers foiled in this their firsl defeat, 
To their Intrenchments in Bilence withdrew. 
In David dwelt a KINGLY soul, though not 
Seated as yet upon an earthly throne. 
With a farewell to father and to mother. 
With harp upon his arm and erook in hand. 
Buoyant in spirit, to the fields he went. 
His plans were laid, — in a well-known retreat, 



is 




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if~ 



To temper his newborn song to the harp, 

In manner that immortalized his name, 

Yet, how unconscious of this last was he ! 

He met his servant with a kind salute, 

Who quickly told his story of the night, 

As nothing rare had chanced to intervene. 

They soon do part with mutual farewells. 

David alone with his beloved sheep that know 

Their names, and each come running at his call. 

David alone? NO, NO! TEN THOUSAND NOS! 

It seemed as if the everlasting hills 

Uprooted from their base leap forth to praise 

Their Creator in one grand chorus of song ; 

And multitudinous angels from the skies, 

Hands clasped in hands, white robed, circled round 

To temper the terrestrial halleluiahs 

With sweeter mixture of celestial strains; 

And the song birds from every branch and twig 

Spring forth, grace noting the ascending praise ; 

While nature, all inspiring stood abreast. 



16 



'Ye Mists and Exhalations that now rise 
From hill or steaming lake, dusky or gray, 
Till the Sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, 
In honor to the world's great Author rise.' 
Quickly the morning hours have slipped away. 
Almost unconsciously he finds himself 
In the retreat made sacred by his songs, 
For many an hour he's spent upon the harp 
Which to the Lord he now has dedicated. 

One fair ideal led our harper on. 
Ear, sound, voice, soul must all combine to make 
The sweetest music ever heard in Bethlehem. 
And so he plays, trying this strain and that, 
Adjusting voice and chord to find the best. 
(An unrecorded secret, let me whisper : 
This is the song, when brought to its perfection, 
Will drive the evil spirit from the king Saul.) 
This is the shady nook where oft the sheep 

At noon lie down to slumber unafraid. 
But look! the sheep all standing, coddling round 



■^ ll^ll^fc H ^fcl 



-A 



17 



>fo*-WM» 



Are circling David closer step by step. 
Their eyes how tender ! Mark their tuneful ears, 
Extended nostrils, rapt attention giving! 
With outstretched neck, the leader softly 

touches 
The sounding string — a bark, tremulous stampede 
A LION A LION ! he's away with a LAMB ! 
David a-bounding to his feet with crook 
In hand, gives chase along the steep incline. 
He overtakes : with one Achillian blow, 
The hickory crook, the toughest ever grown 
On Bethlehem's hills, he lands upon the head 
Of the intrepid beast. The lion stung. 
Dropping the lamb whirls with uplifted paws 
On his antagonist with fierce assault. 
David with left, and Herculeon strength 
His beard he grips and hurls him to the 

ground ; 
His right, with blow on blow resounding whack 
Such as no beast of prey can long withstand. 



-* 



18 



The lion stretched upon the ground, lay. dead. 
David unscarred. tenderly lifts the bleeding 
Lamb in his arms and takes it to the fold." 
When the Immortal Bard had told his story 
Of that most beautiful of all the psalms. 
And also of the lion and the lamb ; — 
I venture to remark: "Perhaps Isaiah 
Had in mind this story when be said: — 
'He will feed his flocks like a sh< phi rd t ht will gather the 
lambs in his arms and carry tin m in Ills bosom.' " 
"No doubt," my friend replied, "and David's Lord 
Also, when He said: — 'I am the good Shepherd:' 
The Shepherd giveth his life for the she. -p. 
There is a thread of gold in David's life, 
Keep watch of that pure thread of gold, — keep 
watch!" 




w 



Part Second 

Bird Incident, Plays before Saul, Slays the Giant, 
Love of Jonathan, Wooes Michal 



#> fjjjj ONTH followed month with joy increasing ever. 

^X^> David living in God with sweet accord, 
Fast grew in body and athletic strength. 
His faith in God firm and fixed as a rock, 
He soon became a mighty valiant man, 
And with his harp and sling surpassing all; 
Prudent and comely, and pure as the sky. 
One day when at play with his harp and sling, 
A bird of beauty chanced to fly o'er head, 
Quick, as the light the stone flew forth 

and tore 
Off its wing, unimpeded in its flight. 
The bird came falling, dying. David caught 
It tenderly and watched its last faint twitch. 
David was smitten at heart, and mid tears 



20 



He said : ' Lord, I have taken the life 

Of one of thy defenceless little birds, 

Forgive me Lord, and I will never sin 

The like again.' He ever kept his pledge. 

You see, my friend, the strongest men are oft 

More tender than those made in softer mould. 

A message Jesse receives from the king: — 

What may it be ? He breaks the seal and reads : — 

'Send me David thy son who is with the sheep.' 

A boy of David 's type could not be long 

Installed with sheep. His fame went forth 

throughout 
The towns and to the army of the king. 
David with harp in hand goes forth to play 
Before the king whom God hath left alone. 
No punishment so great as, 'LEFT ALONE.' 
When man is left alone he's in depair. 
David played the songs that he had often played, 
But Saul gave little heed to what was sung. 
Till David whispered in the ear of God. 



i 



■ ^ii ■ 



i i 



~*~«* 



Y 



Then with beauty and power which seemed divine, 
He sung with voice and harp the ' Shepherd 's 

Psalm, ' 
Which stirred the charred embers of his dying 

soul, 
And forth appeared a dim and feeble light 
That drove the evil spirit from the king. 
David returned to feed his father's sheep, 
And write the sweetest psalms were ever sung, 
And wait till duty called him hence again. 
Not very long did David have to wait. 
With Israel, Philistines were at war. 
And in the army were his brothers, three. 
A valley lay between the hostile camps. 
A giant Philistine 'leven feet in height, 
With helm of brass upon his head, and armed 
With coat of mail, 'five thousand shekels 

weight. ' 
'His spears was like a weaver's beam', — the head, 
'Six hundred shekels of iron', its weight. 



22 



~ — f 



'And he had greaves of brass upon his legs.' 

A bodyguard with shield before him went. 

This was the proud Philistine's boast — he cried: 

'THE ARMIES OF KING SAUL DO I DEFY! 

SELECT A MAN THAT HE MAY FIGHT WITH ME! 

IF I AM SLAIN, WE YOUR SERVANTS WILL BE! 

IF I AM VICTOR YOU OUR SLAVES SHALL BET 

For forty days Goliath made his boast. 

Dismayed was Saul, and all liis men afraid. 

'Twas on the morn of the fortieth day 

That Jesse said to David: 'Go and Bee 

Thy breth'ren how they fart*, and bring me word.' 

David came early to the battlefield, 

As the armed hosts were ^ r <>ing forth to fight. 

He heard the fortieth-day Philistine's boast. 

David's soul was stirred. He to the soldiers 

said : — 
'What meaneth this that no man dares to fight 
With this Philistine giant! By the power 
Of God I'll smite him e're the sun goes down.' 



23 



Eliab, fearing lest the courageous youth 

Should prove in deed his word and win renown, 

Knowing full well the temper of the lad, 

And, since the strange anointing by the prophet, 

Jealous lest he win the king's reward, 

Upon him turned with sarcasm and rage: 

Why earnest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou 

left those few sheep in the wilderness ? I know thy pride 

and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down 

that thou mightest see the battle. AndDavidsaid: WHAT 

HAVE I NOW DONE? IS THERE NOT A CAUSE? 

1 ' Turning with unruffled purpose, and fixed 

[n mind, he asked the captains of the matter, 

And they confirmed the truth of what he'd heard. 

Said David : ' Give me an order from the king, 

And by the power of God I'll lay him low.' 

An agent of JEHOVAH to the camp 
Had come. The captains felt his mighty power, 
And quickly went with David to the king. 
The king received him gladly; proffered him 



■ M ^11 ^ M ^ II ■Wfcll^ W ^fcO'^ H ^fcll^ll^ M ^ II ^ »^ II Ji 

24 



•f 



His sword and all the arras at his command ; 

And so did Jonathan, the son of Saul, 

Whose soul leaped forth to meet a kindred soul, 

For Jonathan's was love at sight the first. 

And in him found a pearl of greatest price. 

The armor of the king, did he decline 

Most gracefully. With sling, and stone, 

and staff, 
And clad in armor of Omnipotence, 
And with the blessing of the king, he goes 
To meet the Terror of a trembling host. 
Five stone were chosen with the greatest care, 
And carefully examined was his sling. 
Saul's army now is breathing in suspense. 
As David from the Royal Court comes forth — 
He's coming ! See how ruddy and how fair! 
His arms and legs are bare, his face and form, 
An Apollo for beauty and for grace ; 
His locks are glist'ning life to burnished 

gold; 



25 



►^•^3, 




•*•— — «f 



Modest as Esther in the royal court, 

Fairest type of great David's greater Sou. 

See, with what calm assurance down the mountain 

He takes his course: Ten thousand eyes behold 

Him, and a nation lieth at his feet. 

He quickly passes the dividing line. — 

Listen! It is the giant's powerful voice 

Echoing up the hillsides far and wide, 

As he comes onward with disdainful strides. 

Am I a dog that thou contest to me with staves ? 

And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 

Come to me and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the 

air and to the beasts of the field!' 

(The giant lifts his helmet in disdain.) 
David replies: 'Thou cometh to me with a sword and 
with a spear and with a shield; but I come to thee in the 
name of the LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF THE 
ARMIES OF ISRAEL, whom thou has defied. This day 
will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will 
smite thee, and take thy head from thee; and I will give 



26 



•f 



the carcasses of the hosts of the Philistine this day unto 

the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; 

that all the earth man know that there is a God inlsraeV " 

"The giant comes on and David draws Dear; 

Quick as a flash of li«rl)1 did David sling 

A stone which into the giant's forehead sunk. 

To earth he fell with face upon the ground; 

His armor bearer at the sij^lit did fl< 

And David rail and stood upon his foe 

And drew the mighty sword front out its sheath 

And with a stroke cut off the gianl a head. 

(No sword had David save that of his foe. 

When tin' Philistines saw their champion i\<'<\<\. 

They all did take to flighl in wild retreat. 

From [area! a mighty shout went up; 
They chased and slew them to the gates of Gath. 
Saul took the hero to his home and thought 
To do him honor and make of him a son. 
Now Jonathan the son of Saul and heir 
Apparent to his father's throne, loved David 



n 



With love that far surpassed the love of women. 

Then Jonathan a covenant did make 
Because their souls were closely knit in love. 
And Jonathan took off his princely robe 
And gave to David his beloved friend ; 
His garments also, 'even to his sword, 
And to his bow, and to his girdle, ' all. 
And Saul made David captain-in-command. 

When David came from victorious war, 
The women came from all the cities singing, 
And dancing joyfully to meet the king, 
With tabrets, and with instruments of music. 
And as the women came, on half did sing : — 
' King Saul hath slain his thousands of the foe. ' 
The other half did answer thus in song : — 
'But David, he hath his ten thousands slain.' 
And Saul was sore displeased and very wroth. 
And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. 
Next day his soul was in the toils of sin, 

But David out of pity for the king, 



28 



"K 




And fearing not the danger of his life. 

Did play upon his harp as he was wont. 

'Now is my chance to smite him to the wall.' 

Said Saul, and threw at him his javelin. 

But David with an eye upon the king 

Sin-crazed, dodged qu i«*kl \- tin- intended blow, 

And thus did save himself not once but twit-.'. 

David was very wise in all his ways. 

And much set by and loved by all the people, 

The more the people loved, the more the hate 

Of Saul. And Saul said, 'DAVID I WILL SLAV.' 

The war is on, the spectators are we : 

Satan and Saul, versus the Lord and David. 

Is there a doubt as to which side will win? 

History ever well may tell the story, 

ETERNITY the glory will reveal. 
Saul turned a traitor to his truest friend. 
But in his first attempt to slay his foiled; 
Lays a series of plans to take his life. 
First makes his daughter a tool of revenge. 



29 



* h» - ^-'» 



Failing in Merab, takes his second born. 
Now Michal, the more beautiful of the twain, 
Loved David. David also did love Michal : 
And were it not for the curse of the age — 
Wives more in number than the hills of Rome — 
Would have proved ever true as at the first. 
Saul taking the advantage of his love. 
Said : ' Give me a hundred heads for a dowry 
Of the Philistines, and Michal is thine. ' 
And all this, hoping David might be slain. 
Now there was constant war between the hosts 
Of the Philistines and the Israelites ; 

And David valiant ever in the fight, 
Soon won a vict'ry o'er his constant foe. 
Doubling the number calld for by the king ; 
And thus did Michal, David's wife become." 
''Time fails me to complete a single strain 
Of David 's exile : — wandering in caves, 
In wilderness, and mountain fastnesses, 
An-hungered and a-thirst ; no safe retreat, 



30 



Or pillow for a night to rest upon, 
Chased by the army like a beast of prey 
Out of his own dear and beloved land, 

A stranger midst an idolatrous foe ; — 
And yet in this long decade of the years. 
Keeping his soul unspoiled, Berene, and pure, 
Keeping his faith in the Lord through it all, 
Although commander of an 'outlaw' band; 
Twice sparing his pursuing for e'en though 
He lay with guard asleep beneath hi-- fe< I ; 
Though hungry and in son distress, QO sheep 
Wen' ever missing found from Mahal's fold; 
But like a Avail of fire by day and night 
Were David's men to shield them from all harm. 
He who can hold an outlaw band in duck 
At such a time as this, can surely rule 
A nation well; as WELL becomes a king." 



51 



*b»-*-«* 



Part Third 

Exile, Picture of Jonathan and David in the Wood, 
Death of Saul and Jonathan. 



tt^ij UT what a friend was Jonathan, the son 

%[■ Of Saul, the sin-crazed and persuing king. 
Were I an artist I would paint the picture 
Of Jonathan and David in the wood, 
Renewing covenant again. See them 
Clasped in- each other's arms as first they 

meet — 
Tears, joyful and sad, running down together 
As heart to heart doth speak in love's embrace. 
For these are souls profound, and God is at 
The helm, and Friend is strengthening David's 

hand. 
'Keep faith my David and thou shalt be king, 
And I at thy right hand shall sit, my lord. 
And all our joys together we will share. 



32 



* i i i ^■■■^ m ^i i 



T 



Now let us sit a little while beneath 
The oak that standeth there, for I have less 
Than one short hour to stay, and spies are on 
My track. You see in what disguise I come. 
Should father learn all this, my head might have 
To pay the price: Then where would be your friend?' 
At this did David throw his arms around 
His neck, and looking steadfast Into those 
Soul eyes still wet with glist'ning love tears, 

said : — 
'My dearest brother, friend, this shall not be, 
Though 1 and all my men are slain for thee.' 
'There, lets be calm,' said Jonathan, 'for I 
Have many things to tell, and news from home. 
Sit here upon this mossy mound, my love. 
Here is a letter form thy sire, and this. 
From the good prophet who anointed thee.' 
'And hast thou not a word from my dear MichalT' 
Said David, with an anxious look and voice. 
'There have been many strange and cruel things 



33 



*h «-^-'» 






Done at my father's court,' said Jonathan, 
'My sister Michal has not proven true. 
She was much flattered at the court because 

So beautiful to look upon, 'tis said. 
The king gave her to Falti, son of Laish.' 
At this was David's soul in an eclipse, 
Dark clouds rolled in upon his troubled soul 
And a sharp pain shot through his wounded heart. 
At length recovering himself he said : — 
'I had thought Michal would prove ever true. 
I loved the girl with all my heart and soul — 

A lover's dream of a beautiful queen — 
And for thy sake I loved her all the more. 
And once you know she saved my life from death, 
And bravely faced her father's cruel wrath. 
MY GOD! are all my friends deserting me?' 
Jonathan drew him closely to himself 
Most tenderly and said : — ' My Dave, you know 
Of one true heart that daily risks his life, 
And gives up all his princely hopes for thee, 



**-"— -*-" 



34 



I 



From henceforth I will be your bride, my lord. 
Then David saw a rainbow through his tears, 
And like a little child embraced his friend. 
And after this did David's strength return. 
'Now tell me of the king, his court, and troops,' 
Said David: and he told him all and kept 
Back naught from him his heart desired to know. 
'My brothers, are they ever with the king?' 
'Yes,' Jonathan replied, 'they still remain 

With Captain Abner near Jerusalem. ' 
'I wish they might be stationed in command 
Where 1 would not meet them by chance as £o< 
'A worthy thought, I will at once attend 
To this; so have no fears, I have it planned.' 

And Jonathan returned unto his house. 
And David in good cheer sought out his men." 
"Shall we a moment pause upon Gilboa's 
Bloody field?— Saul and his three sons are slain. 
And what will David say? Will he rejoice? 
And how will David mourn for Jonathan? 



35 



' >l ^ II ■^ II ^ II ^ I 



■^11 ^ll^fcl 



We now perchance may find the secret springs 
Of David's soul unlike most other men's, 
And why he spared the king when in the cave, 
And slew him not when in the field asleep ; 
But took his sword and friendly gave it back. 
Thus flows his grief as in The Book we read:" — 
Thy glory, Israel, is slain upon thy high places! 
How are the mighty fallen ! 

Tell it not in Gath, 
Publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon ; 
Lest the daughter of the Philistines rejoice, 
Lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. 

Ye mountains of Gilboa, 
Let there be no dew nor rain upon you, 

neither fields of offerings : 
For there the shield of the mighty was viley cast away, 
The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. 
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, 
The bow of Jonathan turned not back, 
And the sword of Saul returned not empty. 



jfj l^ll^ll ^ll^ll ^ U ^fcll ^ H ^l l ^11 ^11 ^ H ^W^II 

35 



Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their Uvea 

And in their death they were not divided : 

They were swifter than eagles, 

They were stronger than lions. 

Ye daughters of Israels, weep over Saul, 

Who clothed you in scarlet delicately, 

Who put ornaments of gold upon your apparel. 

How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! 

Jonathan is slain upon thy high places. 

I am distressed for thee my brother Jonathan : 

Very pleasant hast thou been unto me : 

Thy love to me was wonderful, 

Passing the love of women. 

How are the mighty fallen, 

And the weapons of war perished! 

Then Job The Less, thus to his poet guide : 

"Why now should David mourn for Saul who hath 

For ten years sought his life to take it away? 

One fain would think to see him grieve, that Saul 

Was equally a friend with Jonathan." 



3? 



t 



The Kingly Bard with kindly glance replied : 
' ' Ah me ! full well you know, my Job The Less, 
If I must thus pronounce your name in full, 
Though I confess it does look seeming strange, 
But since you will it, you shall have your wish. 
I know you ask not for your own self's sake 
But for those who perchance may read these lines. 
For them I hope to make my answer plain. 
No malice carried David in his heart, 
But rather pity for the wayward king. 
David knew he was to come after Saul, 
Neither was it for him to hasten the time ; 

Jehovah, he could fully trust for this. 
Here lay the secret of his matchless power, 
And here the greatness of the king to be. 
Jehovah was a Living God, no myth. 
He lived in times advanced a thousand years. 
The spirit of the Christ was truly his. 
Dost thou not know this is the Bridegroom's 
wooing ? — 



33 



A wooing down the centuries of time. 
Gently ringing the wires in every soul 
Installed, to make the world a paradise — 
Perhaps I should have said a wireless wooing 
Between the Prince of Heaven and men of earth. — 
But never mind. You catch my meaning, sure." 



39 



r 



- .— .- .- - l >| fc i - fc i r- fc ii -a n-fc ii -^ i> -^ ii -^ <t -^_ <t 



Part Fourth 
Return to Hebron, Visits His Old Home in Disguise. 



H^*THE days of mourning having ebbed away, 

^^ David now seeks the Lord to guide his steps. 
'Shall I to Judah? Whither shall I go?' 
'To Hebron,' saith the Lord, 'with all thine 

house.' 
The night of exile has been long and dark, 
The morning seems to dawn, the clouds disperse, 
As David speeds to the land of his birth, 
Freed from the fear of a malignant king. 
He leads the way to Hebron with all his men, 
Takes his wives also and his household stuff. 
And having found a good abiding place 
And given orders to his men of war, 
He longs to see his home of early days. 

Let us invisible company keep 
As he returns to the scenes of his youth : 



40 



'Tis summer time, the day is fair and bright. 
As David lone with God at early morn 
Sets out to see his home of long ago. 
The scenes become familiar more and more 
As he draws near the town of Bethlehem. 
For safety's sake he is in pari disguised. 
Who knows what foe may meet him in his path ? 
No sword in hand, but sling and staff has he, 
And woe be to man or beasl who dares attack 
The mighty warrior in his shepherd dress. 
If in his youth he slew the hungry lion. 
What can withstand that arm of strength matured? 
The sun has passed the midday hour and more, 
When David meets a shepherd on the way, — 
'Peace to the, stranger, hast thou come from far?' 
'I've come from Hebron sine.' the morning watch, 
And I am very thirsty from the heat.' 
'Tarry and thou shalt dine with me this day. 
Water and towel will I provide for thee 
And purest water from the spring to drink. 



41 



Last night a lamb from out the flock was slain, 
And my good wife has dressed it and prepared ; 
And happy shall we be to share with thee. 
When thou are rested we would hear of Hebron, 
'Tis said that David is to be our king ; 
And surely he is the desire of Judah, 
And ALL the tribes, were it not for the priests 
And they who follow after Saul for spoils.' 

Moziah seated with David his guest, 
His good wife standing by ready to serve : — 
With kindly glance at each, did David say, — 
'Shall we thank God for His bounty and care?' 
They both assenting, David, self-forgetting. 
At once was in the presence of Jehovah, 
'Rich in experience that angels might covet. 
Rich in a faith that has grown with the years : ' 
And such a prayer they 'd never heard before ; 
They seemed to be in the holy of holies, 
They heard the stranger's words and knew 
that God 



M 






Was there, though they heard no sound of His 

voice. 
In that short prayer were mingled praise. 

thanksgiving. 
Petitions, blessings, faith, and hope, and love. 
He seemed to bear all Isra'l in his palms 
Before the Lord. Moziah and his wife 
'Looked at each other with a wild surmise." 
As if to say, A priest or prophet I Who? 
That was the holiest meal they ever ate. 
So quickly did they fall to talking that 
They half forgot to ask his name or birth, 
And pleased well was he to be unknown. 
The happy inpreas of that character 
Remained with them till time for them was o'er. 
An hour and more they talked of Country, Peace 
And War; of Saul and Jonathan, and — God; 
And that hour seemed but a moment of time. 
David arising, said: 'Now I must go; 
Thy kindness I will not forget, — farewell.' 



43 



And in farewell they pressed his hand good-bye. 
' How far to Jesse 's home in Bethlehem ? ' 
Said David, as he passed outside the door. 
'About an hour along the hillside road,' 
Replied Moziah pointing up the hill, 
'But Jesse's home is burned to the ground. 
Some say King Saul so ordered it to be.' 
And David nodding heaved a heavy sigh, 
Though he had heard the same a month before. 
No other man like him in all the world, 
In him is born the Spirit of the Christ. 
Through David comes the Chirst of Bethlehem, 
The Bridegroom that shall win His Bride the 

Church. 
Though many centuries may pass away 
Before the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. 
A thousand years are but a day with God, — 
A watchman's wind in the round of night. 
David was not to be disturbed in soul 
Though ashes are the remnant of his home. 



44 



r 



^ ■ ^ i 






He had set out on an errand sublime. 
To be alone with God and talk with him, 
And near the place where God to him did speak 
On that eventful night ten years ago. 
Now grace meets grace Divine at every step 
And every foot of earth seems holy ground ; 
The setting sun is flooding all the world 
With glory and a silence-breathing praise. 
Now one more turning of the road and he 
Can see the sacred spot where Samuel 
Anointed him to be the future king, 
And see the ruins of his dear old home. 
How memory recalls the lapse of years 
And floods the mind with thousand scenes of 

yore, 
But none more precious than the night when God 
Called him by name: 'DAVID! DAVID!' and 

breathed 
Into his waiting soul eternal life. 
That was the night he wrote his Shepherd Psalm, 



4 ; 



And God outlined his glorious destiny. 
Now to renew his covenant he comes 
To the most sacred spot in all the world, 
With a sence of reverance he comes, 
And gazes here and there and all about. 
Then to the old familiar well he goes, 
For that remains the same as when a child. 
No water ever tasted more refreshing 
Than this from out the well his father dug. 
In silent revery he walks about 
The place, — the same dear place, yet, not 

the same — 
Deserted, barren, stones and ashes, lone. 
His eyes now filled with tears as he breaks forth: 
' that I had a home, yea of mine own ! 
I have been but a wand'rer o'er the earth, 
But I will trust Thee, Lord, Thy time abide. 
Some days on Zion's Hill my home will be, 
When I am king, for thus Jehovah said. 
I know that He is faithful that hath promised. 



46 



Lord I would that Michal might know Thee, 
But she's a stranger to Thee and to me. 

She loveth neither thy servant nor Thee. 

1 thought to make her queen when I am king. 
Thou art my Rock, I leave it all with Thee.' 
And thus did David talk with Cod the while. 
These are but murmurings of David's soul 
Caught on the breeze outside the curtained door. 
Twas in the inner temple David Bpenl 

The night with God and held communion sweet. 
Perchance 'twas on that oighl he penned beneath 
The stars the Psalm that has to us come down: — " 

Jehovah, our Lord, 

How excellent is thy name in all the earth, 
Who hath set they glory upon the heavens ! 
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast 

thou established strength, 
Because of thine adversaries, 

That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger, 
When I consider they heavens, the work of thy fingers, 



4 



« 






The moon and the stars which thou hast ordained ; 

What is man that thou art mindful of him? 

And the son of man that thou visitest him ? 

For thou hast made him but a little lower than God, 

And crownest him with glory and honor. 

Thou makest him to have dominion over the works 

of thy hands ; 
Thou hast put all things under his feet: 

All sheep and oxen, 
Yea, and the beasts of the field, 
The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, 
Whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 
Jehovah, our Lord, 
How excellent is thy name in all the earth ! 



48 



I 



Part Fifth 
Crowned king, Conclusion 

+ * fX BOUT the time the stars began to fade, 
(- ^^y Into a happy slumber David fell 
And dreamed of a united Israel 
Over whom he was the anointed king. 
He heard the people shouting — 'Hail to David, 
King of Israel! Long live the King!' 
When he awoke beneath the stately palm 
On bed of earth with upturned sod for pillow — 
('Now morn her rosy steps in th' .astern clime 
Advancing, sow'd the earth with orient pearls.') 
To Hebron he must hasten to return. 
For in his dream he saw the priest and elders 
Of Judah seeking him to make him king. 
For not a soul knew whither he had fled. 
And it was so. All Hebron was alarmed. 
And Joab also, and his men of war. 



~i 



49 



t~» " ~* n ~* n ^ n ^ ii ^ »» ^ ii ^ n ^ n ^_ ,i ^_ I, «_ 



Were making swift search, but they found 

him not. 
And it was noised abroad throughout all Judah. 
Now very early in the morning watch 
Joab arose, and fifty chosen men, 
All mounted, straightway made for Bethlehem, 
Inquiring as they went. Three hours and more 
High in the heavens was the sun, when they 

reached 
Moziah's home, — he at the door, and Joab 
Saluting said: — 'Hast thou seen David, son 
Of Jesse, or a stranger on the road? 
It is now two days since he last was seen, 
Though all of Judah 's on the search for him. 
Today he was to be th' anointed king. 
We fear some evil hath befallen him.' 
Then spake Moziah of the stranger, who, 
Dressed in a shepherd's garb, did eat with them 
On yesterday, and of the prayer he offered. 
'That surely must have been David,' said Joab 

50 



'See!' said Moziah, 'Down the hill he's coming!' 
And Joab looked, and knew that he was David, 
For he could ever tell him by his walk. 
He ami his men all hastened to meet him. 
And there was joy exceeding, and many 
Upon his neck did fall, embracing him. 

And they sat David on a royal steed 
And came again to the house of Moziah. 
When David was a great way off, Moziah 
Ran swiftly forth to meet him. David leaping 
From off hia horse, embraced him as a friend. 
Then ten men and a captain Joab chos. . 
And said. 'Return in haste to Bebron— tell 
The priests and elders of the city that 
David is found— prepare to crown him king— 
We will return ere the forth watch is sounded.' 
With generous mind Moziah to Joab : 
'Feed for the horses in the barn thou 'It find, 

And water in abundance at the well, 
But come thyself with David in the house, 



.ill fc« ^11 .fclll^ll «». l l^l M ^. ■■-»■■ ^ " — » ^ ■»— » » 

"^ 51 



«h,-» »■*.»■*.. 



L 



And my good wife will soon provide for thee, 

And haste to make pottage for all thy men.' 

Joab most graciously in turn replied : 

'Thy gifts and kindness we will not forget, 
But we ere long to Hebron must return, 

For David ere the sun shall cease to shine, 

Will be anointed King of Judah's Tribe. 

Come thou with us and take they wife with thee, 

And thou shalt see thy shepherd friend 

made king.' 

Moziah and his wife were both made happy, 

And barely missed an angel unawares. 
When all had eaten of the food prepared, 
The horses ready, and all at command, 
They straitway made for Hebron with great joy. 

Moziah and his wife, mounted upon 
Their steeds, were guests of their most royal 

friend. 
As they came near the city, beating of drums 
Was heard, and shoutings of the multitude 



52 



i ■^fc. n ^fc. — '^fc. I 



Mingled with music of the joyous crowd. 
The priests and chiefs of Judah's tribe 
Came forth to meet them in marshal array, 
And led them to the central square of Hebron, 
Where stood the prophet with th' anointing oil. 
David protested 'gainst th' informal haste, 
Beside he would have changed his shepherd dress 

And put on one becoming to a king. 
But when the people learned of the delay, 
They shouted, 'Crown him in his shepherd dress! 
King David is our shepherd and our king! 
Hail to the King of Judali ! three times hail!' 
And David let the people have their way. 
Then did the prophet pour upon his head 
The anointing oil, saying: 'Thou art 
Th' anointed of the Lord, the king of Judah.' 
And all the people said, 'Amen! Amen!' 
And were most joyful in their new made king." 
"So hasty was the crowning of the king, 
The people much desired a day of rest 



1 



53 



That they might sacrifice unto the Lord, 
And render honor to their anointed king. 



And so it was that after seven days 

The people came in holiday attire 
And sacrificed unto the Lord their God, 
And all were joyful in David their king. 
And there was music and dancing; they blew 
With silver trumpets and piped with their pipes, 
So that the earth was rent with songs of joy. 
And David made a great address that day. 
He counselled them to flee idolatry, 
And worship only Him who made the heavens; 
He also sang a song he had prepared, 
And played most skilfully upon the harp — 
And this by the request of all the people. 
He also rode upon the king's white mule 
Presented by the elders of the city. 
And thus was Judah joyful in her king. 

But the eleven tribes of Israel 
Were envious of Judah and her king 



j.._ ■.— ..-..-,- . , t — > r — > rr _ > Ir _ > (r _ M < r _ > tl _ ^ t l _^ n _ a n ^ tt n _ , ,- 9 _„- t i, - , „ - , „ 

54 



t~ 



1 



And cleaved unto Ishbosheth, son of Saul ; 
And Abner was his Commander-in-chief. 
And there were seven years of civil war 
Between the house of Saul and house of David. 
But David ever waxed stronger and stronger. 
And the house of Saul did wax weaker and 

weaker 
Till Abner gave his pledge for terms of peace. 
And David said, 'Thou shalt not sec my face 
Except thou dost return unto me Miehal, 
Saul's daughter, whom I purchased with a price.' 
Miehal returned ; but oh ! how changed in heart 
From the once guileless girl when first she met 
The war-crowned hero in the flush of youth, 

Bearing the trophy of a giant foe. 
Love is most often blind, and oft 'tis well, 
But when the vail is lifted scars appear. 
David still loved the ideal of his youth, 
And cherished it through the exile of years. 
To make her queen was his one fond desire." 



55 




Here the Immortal Bard a moment paused, 
And with benignant aspect smiling said — 
"Where shall we stop in this our kingly story? — 
For I must other things relate ere long. ' ' 
The lesser name with lifted brows replied : — 
4 'Tell me the secret spur of David's soul, 
Then to our hero we will say, farewell." 
And he in turn with thoughtful mein replied : 
"David was living the life of faith in God, 
Before his vision centuries unrolled. 
By faith he saw the Star of Bethlehem, 
And by that Star he safely steered his bark. 
When, for a moment, he, the darkness pierced, 
His bark was stranded on the rocks of sin, 
But saved by grace of God's redeeming Love. 
The birth of his IMMORTAL PSALM was ever 
In sight. The Voice that spake he ne'er forgot. 
To lead a nation Godward was his aim. 
On Zion's Hill to build for Isr'el's king 
An house, was his ambition and design. 



56 



i ^m ^» ir jf 



And, more than all, after having subdued 
His foes, to build a temple for his Lord. 
All this he did the temple building save. 
And even this, he planned for Solomon." 

(Jdb The Less, concludes) 

11 '0 Warrior-king, how shall we thy victories muse?' 

Allied with God thou in thy youth with sling 
And stone didst save thy country from her foes. 

Thy fascinating power an outlaw band 
In check didst hold, — thy country ne'er despoil. 
Thou overcamest all thy foes, till prate 
Did reign throughout thy borders everywhere. 
'Sagacious statesman, how esteem thy worth?' 
Thou wast possessed of Patience born of God. 
When as a roe upon tlu> mountain chased, 
Thou wouldst not slay thy sleeping foe — 
An antitype of thy Master and Lord. 
As king of Judah thou didst win back Isra'el 
As much by kindness as by war, till peace 
Did reign throughout thy borders everywhere. 
Thy 'great transgression.' how shall we bemoan? 



57 



David, wherefore art thou fallen thus? 

How couldst thou sin against the Lord thy God? 

Thou art forgiven, repentant soul. 

Thou shalt not die, God's grace will rescue thee. 

He hears thy prayer: 

Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned and done this evil 

in thy sight. As the hart panteth after the water -brooks, 

so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. 

Sincere was his repentance; so profound 

It is forever in our hearts embalmed. 

His Shepherd took him in His arms and bound 

Up all his wounds, and he was whole again. 

(Let him that never sinned, first cast the stone.) 

'And, matchless poet! sweetest singer! how, 

Our love express for thine inspiring songs? 

friend of God let us thy soul behold, 

And ours keep time with thine immortal strains.' 

No words of mine can lend a luster to 

Thy songs, as to thy music still I list. 

Though long have been thy harp strings laid aside, 



I ^11 ^ W ^i II ^11^ — -^H^ II -^ 1 1^ 11^ 11^ 

58 



r 



The music of thy soul is in the air, 

Growing the sweeter on the roll of time. 

Ten thousand times ten thousand loyal hearts 

The world around, in every clime and tongue, 

Are beating with the music of thy psalms. 

From sea to sea they come to join the throng; 

From age to age their numbers ever swelling; — 

All marching to the New Jerusalem, 

The home of David and King David's Lord." 

Lift up your head, ye gates ; 
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors ; 
And the KING OF GLORY shall come in. 
Who is the KING OF GLORY? The Lord 
Strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 
Lift up your heads, ye gates; 
Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors: 
And the KING OF GLORY shall come in. 
Who is this KING OF GLORY? 
The Lord of hoast, HE is the KING OF GLORY. 

Selah. 

| !> l ^ II ^ ■ ^ II ^ 11^ 11^ H^ II ^ II ^i II ^ ■ ^ H ^fcW^fc H -^ W^>. II ^ M ^ II ^ ■ ^ H ^ II ^ II ^1. I»^ II ^W 1 ^ Ufc 



Hlill 

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